The name of the proposed 'Bangabandhu College' located in the heart of Netrakona Municipality has not been finalised in 25 years.
Since its inauguration, the activities of the institution are still being conducted under the name of 'Chandranath College'.
It is learnt that the college was established in 1997 on the initiative of late Fazlur Rahman Khan, former president of district Awami League, three-time former MP and close associate of Bangabandhu.
The college was named 'Bangabandhu College' in memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But after the establishment of the college, it did not have its own land.
According to advice of the Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, it was allowed to teach in a building of Chandranath High School in the city under the name 'Chandranath School and College'.
Later, in 1997, at the meeting of the governing body of the college, a proposal was adopted to rename it as 'Bangabandhu College' instead of 'Chandranath School and College'.
It is also learnt that in 1999, three acres of land was allotted in favour of the college at Islampur mour near Amtala Road in the heart of Netrakona Municipality.
After separation in 2000, the college established its own campus. The then food minister Amir Hossain Amu MP inaugurated the college building. Since then the activities of the college are being conducted in its own place.
But the name 'Bangabandhu College' is still in the form of a proposal. All activities are being conducted under the name of Chandranath College. Only in brackets it is written 'Proposed Bangabandhu College'.
Acting Principal of the college Amiya Ranjan Talukder said the locals know the college as Bangabandhu College which was registered as MPO about 20 years ago. But the name was not finalised due to various complications. Apart from the 49 teachers, 12 staff and 1461 students of the college, everyone wants a change of name.
He mentioned that at present the number of students in the college and the results of examinations are very satisfactory.
According to the teachers and staff of the college, the State Minister for Social Welfare, Md Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru and reserved seat MP Habiba Rahman Khan Shefali gave a DO letter to the higher authorities for naming the college as 'Bangabandhu College'. But still there is no answer.
State Minister for Social Welfare and Freedom Fighter Md Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru said, "I also gave a DO letter to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust to name this institution as 'Bangabandhu College'." But I do not know what it is. But I will find out soon. '
Habiba Rahman Khan Shefali for the reserved women's seat, said, "My father, former MP Advocate Fazlur Rahman Khan established this college in the name of Bangabandhu with many dreams." I have been trying to finalise the proposed name since I became a member of Parliament. I have also talked about the issue in the budget session of the parliament. I hope the authorities will consider the matter.
Kazi Md Abdur Rahman, president of the governing body of the college and deputy commissioner of Netrakona, said, "We are in touch with the higher authorities in this regard. Hopefully the proposed name will be finalised soon.”
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